The Pivot: Starting Over

Dynamics of Perception & Action | Week 2

The Pivot

We just discussed the limits of the Computer model in the real world. (Infinite Regress, Too Slow, Ambiguous).

If we want to better explain how you actually survived your drive here…

We need a new Metaphor.

The biggest mistake of the Computer model was Dualism: Treating the Animal and the Environment as separate things.

Note

“You cannot define an animal without its niche. You cannot define a niche without an animal.” (Blau & Wagman, Ch 3)

If the System is the unit, we stop asking about the brain processing inputs. We start asking about the relationship.

Bill Mace’s Rule:

“Ask not what’s inside your head, but what your head is inside of.”

We are inside an Ambient Optic Array. * We don’t measure Distance (Physics). * We measure Relational Structure (Ecology).

The Polar Planimeter Metaphor: A tool that measures Area directly without measuring Length or Width.

Smart vs. Dumb Instruments:

Ecological Insight:

We are Smart about Catching (Tau) but Dumb about Distance. We perceive the useful variable directly.

The Orchestra Problem: How do musicians play together?

Model A (Central Executive): Dr. Pick conducts. Everyone watches him. (Top-Down).
Model B (Self-Organization): Dr. Pick is sick. Everyone listens to their neighbor. (Bottom-Up).

Reference: Blau & Wagman Ch 3 (The Assumptions) & Ch 4 (Systems)

If the Ecological approach is right, Perception is for Action.

Standard View: We see the world to build a picture (Perception). Then we act on that picture.
Ecological View: We see the world to move.

The Test: Can your hand be smarter than your eye?

Thursday’s Meeting: We will test if Action breaks the Illusion.

Assignments